The Tay Descent: 23 October 2010

The Tay Descent is a new event which is part of the Perth 800 celebrations. It is both a tour (recreational, social non-competitive, activity) and a race. The people touring set off a lot earlier than those racing, and most "paddlers" arrive in Perth mid afternoon.

There are three different distances that people can choose to do: 5 miles, 9 miles and 23 miles. This longest course starts in Dunkeld. Because of the nature of the river, the shortest course it quite an easy an accessible one as the river is quite calm between Luncarty and Perth. The medium and long courses take in some fun and interesting water around Campsie, Burnmouth, Stanley and Thistlebrig as well as some sweeping, majestic meanders to the Tay.

Those taking part in the Descent on the Saturday get free entry to the show on the Sunday. An added attraction is that the Tay Descent will be filmed by Simon Willis who is very well known in canoeing circles for his expeditions and his high quality video/audio canoeing productions. Simon and his team will work through the night to edit the final cut of the Tay Descent 2010 film which will be shown at noon on Sunday 24th October at Paddle 2010 and will be available for free download thereafter.

The Enchanted Forest: 22nd Oct - 10th November 2010

The Enchanted Forest sound and light show is a feast for your senses.

The Enchanted Forest event takes place at Faskally Wood, Perthshire’s Big Tree Country near Pitlochry, The Enchanted Forest offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors, at night and with spectacular imagery by award winning lighting designer Simon Wilkinson and an original music score.

Come experience The Enchanted Forest and light-up your night!

Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival: 21 to 24 October 2010

EMFF 2010 DELIVERS MOUNTAINS OF ADVENTURE

Extreme climbers, global adventurers and inspiring films at annual mountain summit
The 8th Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival soars back into the capital from 21-24 October 2010. The main event is staged at George Square Lecture Theatre in Edinburgh, with special extra events being held at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena at Ratho.

As always, the Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival promises to be a weekend packed full of inspiration and entertainment, with an impressive diversity of speakers and a selection of films delivering lots of high drama and painful wipeouts!

The EMFF has built a reputation as a fun, lively and inspiring event and this year will continue that trend.

ASSC member, Treshnich and Haunn Cottages, is a finalist in the 2010 Scottish Thistle Award

The Finalists of the Scottish Thistle Awards 2010 have been announced and one of the three Finalists in the Sustainable Tourism category is a member of ASSC!

Treshnish and Haunn Cottages are located on a spectacular coastal farm on the Isle of Mull. Carolyne and Somerset Charrington moved to the island in 1994 and have been responsible and careful custodians of the farm since then. Despite no longer being certified organic farmers, they continue to manage the land in a balanced and environmentally sensitive way.

This care and attention has resulted in a vast increase in bio-diversity, acknowledged by Butterfly Conservation Scotland's Dr Tom Prescott when he visited the farm in June 2010: ‘The high quality of the habitat already present across the majority of the farm is also reflected in the number of scarce and rare species present, particularly plants, many of these being present at Treshnish in profusion. I have not seen such a diverse and colourful sward at any other farm or nature reserve in Scotland before.’

A wind turbine, small scale biomass district heating scheme and energy saving laundry facilities have helped cut their carbon emissions, along side the importance of carefully monitoring energy use; seeking to improve energy savings and increase volumes of recycling, continuing to use eco friendly paints and so on make these cottages a great sustainable choice for accommodation on the Isle of Mull. Carolyne has found being a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme to be very helpful and is proud to hold their Gold Award. Not only are the eight 3* and 4* cottages sustainable, but they are full of character and comforts, carefully decorated with an eclectic mix of modern and antique furnishings as well as original artworks.

Everyone living on the farm values the role that the cottage guests play in the continuing 'project', as well as enjoying their mutual interest in environment, wildlife and nature. There is an ongoing record of sightings and guests' input to this is highly valued.

The winners of the Thistle Awards are to be announced on Friday 29th October.

Good luck Treshnich and Haunn Cottages!

Cowalfest 2010: 8th to 17th October 2010

Scotland's largest Walking & Arts Festival

Cowalfest 2010 Walking and Arts Festival is one of the largest and most varied walking festivals in Scotland, with more than 70 walks led by expert and knowledgeable walk leaders including National Park and Forestry Commission Rangers.

All ages and abilities are catered for and the walks cover interest areas of wildlife, bird watching, drama, photography, art, history, heritage, folklore, tai chi, great gardens, great houses, historic churches, potholing and some great hill walks including the opportunity the complete over 6 days the long distance trail ‘The Cowal Way’ .

THE 22nd (2010) BELHAVEN BEST DUNBAR TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL: 24 to 26 September 2010

The 22nd Belhaven Best Dunbar Traditional Music Festival will be held on Friday 24th to Sunday 26th September 2010 with nearly 30 gigs in 14 venues in and around Dunbar, with something to suit nearly everyone’s taste in music.

A number of Belhaven outlets in the town will be participating and as usual, strolling musicians will be welcome to play a tune at the afternoon sessions in the Hillside Hotel.
The Festival kicks off on Friday the 24th of September with the Scottish Evening in the Hillside Hotel, hosted this year by the Graham Cairns Band.

The 2010 Belhaven Best Dunbar Traditional Music Festival is sure to be a musical feast for your ears!

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running: 3 October 2010

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running is already renowned as a monster race in a world-class location and is about to get even better. A stunning new location for the finish line, new events for young people and improved facilities for all will make this the biggest and best event yet!

Over 8000 entries are expected across all events in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running this year. As well as featuring the UK’s fourth largest marathon, the event also incorporates the Baxters River Ness 10K, the Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run and the 10K Corporate Challenge.

For the first time ever this year the event will incorporate the Wee Nessie event, for pre-school age children, extending participation in the running events to cover all ages. Encourage your own athletes of tomorrow to toddle, walk or jog their own monster race, accompanied by a parent or carer around the circuit!

With a warm Scottish welcome for everyone and the stunning backdrop of the dramatic Highland landscape, who could ask for a better setting to run in a marathon!